Meet Our Specialists

Amy Badger-Asaravala, MD

Dr. Amy Badger-Asaravala specializes in the medical and surgical treatment of glaucoma and cataracts. Born in Seattle, Washington, Dr. Badger was accepted during her senior year of high school in the Honors Program in Medical Education at Northwestern University in Evanston, Illinois. She was elected to the Phi Beta Kappa Honors Society and graduated Summa Cum Laude with Honors in Psychology. She then went on to graduate in the top of her class from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. She completed her ophthalmology residency training at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, Wisconsin, serving as the only chief resident during her final year. She received her glaucoma subspecialty training with world-renowned glaucoma specialists Drs. Jorge Alvarado, Robert Stamper, and Shan Lin at the University of California, San Francisco. Her strengths lie not only in the medical and surgical management of complex glaucoma cases but also in patient communication. She has extensive experience with the latest high technology glaucoma surgical techniques such as selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), the implantation of ExPRESS shunts, Ahmed valves, and other aqueous shunts, as well as canaloplasty. She is an active member of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Glaucoma Society.

In her free time, Dr. Badger enjoys spending time with her husband, traveling, running, cycling and listening to music.

Shirin Barez, MD

Dr. Barez is a board certified fellowship trained retina specialist. She graduated from the University of California, Berkeley with honors, receiving a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree. She earned her medical degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Her internship was followed by a one-year research fellowship at the National Eye Institute at Bethesda, Maryland, with a focus on ocular immunology, molecular biology and oncology. She completed her ophthalmology residency at the George Washington University, and a two-year vitreoretinal fellowship at the Devers Eye Institute in Portland, Oregon.

Dr. Barez is Clinical Professor of Health Sciences at the University of California, Berkeley, where in addition to her clinical and teaching responsibilities, she conducts clinical research in developing new modalities for the early detection of diabetic retinopathy. She has published numerous scientific papers and has lectured extensively. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Ophthalmology and a Diplomate of the American Board of Ophthalmology. Dr. Barez has a special interest and extensive experience in the treatment of diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration and ocular vascular diseases.

“Honestly these doctors are the most caring, most hands-on doctors I’ve ever met!! I [saw] Dr. Barez for floaters and when she first came in the room, she greeted me with a smile and a handshake. Throughout the consult she explained to me in a calm manner what she had seen in my eye test and what treatment I needed. Honestly, no doctor has ever made me feel more secure and relieved.” – Yelp.com, Patient Review for Dr. Barez

Tonya Alberelli, MD

Dr. Alberelli is a comprehensive ophthalmologist who joined Optima in 2014. She specializes in both laser-assisted and traditional cataract surgery, as well as the treatment of eye conditions such as glaucoma, eyelid disorders, and dry eye.

Dr. Alberelli is originally from Mississippi, where her father is also a practicing comprehensive ophthalmologist. She received a full academic scholarship to Rhodes College where she graduated with honors in Biology. She then earned her medical degree from the University of Mississippi and received her internship training at the St. Mary Medical Center in San Francisco. Dr. Alberelli completed her ophthalmology residency at the Saint Louis University Eye Institute where she was awarded the prestigious Roya Rabbani Award for Excellence in Patient Care during her time there.

Dr. Alberelli moved back to the Bay Area to rejoin her husband, who has lived here since 2000. She enjoys the beauty of the area with its many hiking trails, outdoor activities and vineyards. She also appreciates the diversity and warmth of the people who live here.

“Dr. Alberelli is such a nice, professional and caring person…She gave me back my perfect vision and I am so grateful for her!! I am so happy with my results and I would HIGHLY recommend her for your eye care needs.” – Yelp.com, Patient Review for Dr. Alberelli

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